Darragh O'Brien (Dublin Fingal, Fianna Fail)
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244. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he will report on the situation in Northern Ireland; the efforts being made to restore the Executive; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50377/17]

Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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As a co-guarantor of the Good Friday Agreement, the Government, working with the British Government, has spared no effort in supporting and facilitating talks on the formation of a new Executive, over many months.

However, devolved power-sharing government can only operate on the basis of an agreement reached between the two largest parties. The other parties represented in the Assembly - which have shown considerable patience - also have a critical role to play.

I am disappointed that, after several phases of negotiations in different formats, we still do not have an agreement to form an Executive. The issues under discussion – particularly those on language and culture – go to the heart of the divisions in society in Northern Ireland and agreement on them was always going to be challenging.

However, I have always believed that it remains possible to reach an agreed outcome which ensures implementation of previous agreements and reflects the core principles of the Good Friday Agreement and power-sharing itself - partnership, equality, and mutual respect. It remains my conviction that this is achievable.

The Government has consistently affirmed our unwavering commitment to the Good Friday Agreement, and determination, as a co-guarantor of the Agreement, to secure the effective operation of all of its institutions.

The Taoiseach and I continue to engage with the British Government and the parties in Northern Ireland to give full effect to that commitment.